In-Box Review

introduction

I think if I see another 1/35th figure carrying a Panzerfaust I'm going to lose it.

First of all, the weapon limits your figure to Late War, even VERY Late War (the common version seen everywhere in 1/35th wasn't deployed until late 1944). Second, it's just waaaay over-represented in the offerings of figure makers. Maybe it's cheaper to make than a rifle? In any case, CMK's new figure of a walking (they call "marching") tank hunter has him carrying a Panzerschreck RPG round and a box that presumably has the dreaded launcher inside. I'm relieved to say the least.

Unlike the hand-carried (and launched) Panzerfaust, which took real courage or desperation to use in the teeth of an advancing tank, the Panzerschreck could be fired from behind cover and at a greater range (though it generated a lot of smoke, giving away the launcher's position). The shell could penetrate even the armor of the IS-2, the heaviest tank of WW2. Operators also had to wear a protective poncho because of the exhaust gases it kicked out.

the kit

Inside a clear square plastic hanger package are:

Five resin "pour plugs" with the torso, legs, hands, rifle and the Panzerschreck carrying case
A zip-loc baggie with the head and the two parts of the rifle grenade
A two-sided yellow sheet with a drawing of the finished figure on one side and painting instructions on the reverse

the review

The casting of the figure is crisp with a minimum of flash except on the small parts. The overcoat detailing is excellent, with a portion cast separately, and which is attached after the left leg is glued on. The part is extremely thin and almost to-scale in thickness, so much so modelers should exercise caution when handling not to crack it.

The figure looks to be in the same size family as Tristar figures; in other words, smaller than, say those from Tank or Master Box. That will only be a problem if you plan on mixing kits from other makers.

painting

Painting instructions are rudimentary at best, with no hint what color the Panzerschreck box should be. I suggest having a look at some references like the Osprey "Men at Arms" series.

conclusion

Although styrene figures have made up a lot of the distance separating them from resin, the latter still very much holds the edge in terms of detailing. The "potato masher" stick grenades in the figure's waistband, or the detailing of the fabric just isn't there yet in plastic.

Thanks to CMK for providing the review sample. Please mention you saw them here on Armorama when ordering.

SUMMARY

Highs: Crisp detailing & casting; interesting pose and thankfully NOT ANOTHER PANZERFAUST.Lows: Hands are less well-rendered than on some resin figures.Verdict: Recommended. An attractive figure with a different subject matter.

Comments

Hi Bill,
Thanks for the review.
Although I am not a figure builder, it is a nice figure.
However, the box he's carrying is not for a Panzerschreck. This man is the number 2 of a tank hunter team, detailed to carry the ammo. These boxes contain two rockets, which were also used or the Puppchen recoilless anti-tankgun, see for example DML's 6114 (Sd.Kfz.2 with Puppchen) which contains the same boxes.
It is a pity, that there are no decals in the set for the rocket and the box.
Peter